The VPRSF follows the ISEF rules and regulations which can be viewed here.
In addition to the ISEF rules, the following applies to the VPRSF.
- All projects must be entered into the VPRSF Registration Site.
- All Senior projects require the following forms (follow instructions in the Registration Site for uploading):
- An Abstract and Research Plan w/ bibliography
- Checklist for Adult Sponsor Form 1
- Student Checklist Form 1A
- Approval Form 1B
- Approval forms must be signed and, if required, reviewed by the SRC (Safety Review Committee) before any experimentation can begin.
- Additional forms are needed to help ensure appropriate supervision and safety of all participants in some projects. If you need help to select which additional forms you will need, use the ISEF Rules Wizard.
- The VPRSF follows the same process as the ISEF. This ensures that all participants are qualified for the ISEF. The following Intel ISEF forms constitute written documentation of what will occur, or in some cases, has already occurred, in a research project. They are designed to provide the information that is needed to review the project to ensure compliance with the Intel ISEF rules and with laws and regulations that apply to the project. The forms should be filled out and signed before any research takes place. (Only Forms 1C, 7, and the abstract are done after the research.) The dates of the signatures reflect when the approval or consent is given.
- See the full ISEF Rules and Regulations for more information.
- NOTE: The ISEF Rules provide for an exhibit space of 48″ in width. The VPRSF can only accommodate an exhibit space of 36″, so please plan accordingly.
Safety Review
If, according to the results of the ISEF Wizard, your project requires a safety review by the VPRSF Scientific Review Committee, you must submit the required forms and research plan for review to the SRC Chairwoman, Ms. Anne Deane. Forms can be submitted to her at src.vprsf@gmail.com and she can be reached by phone at (434) 825-7559 with any questions.
Who May Enter
The Virginia Piedmont Regional Science Fair, governed by its Board of Directors, was established to serve the Central Virginia area encompassing the City of Charlottesville, and Albemarle, Culpeper, Fluvanna, Green, King George, Louisa, Madison, Nelson, Orange, Rappahannock, Spotsylvania, and Stafford counties. The Fair is open to students in public, private and parochial schools in the area. School participation can be arranged by contacting the Fair Director and sending a representative from the school to designated planning meetings each year. Home schools in the area are also welcome and must contact the Fair Director about qualifying for the Fair.
How Many Entries Per School
Senior Division is ONLY for students in grades 9 – 12
Each school is allowed to submit sixteen (16) projects in the Senior Division. Petitions for up to five (5) more Senior Division projects can be made on a space available basis. Please contact the director at director@vprsf.org to inquire about registering more than 16 projects. Each Senior Division first place winner in the Piedmont Regional Science Fair is eligible to enter the Virginia State Science Fair. The top two overall Senior Division winners, the Grand Award winners, of the Piedmont Regional Science Fair are invited to attend the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair.
Junior Division is ONLY for students in grades 6 – 8
Each school is allowed to submit a maximum of sixteen (16) projects in the Junior Division. Dual school middle schools (i.e. schools that share the 6-8 grade range) are allowed to apportion the allotment between those two schools. Petitions for up to five (5) more Junior Division projects can be made on a space available basis. Please contact the director at director@vprsf.org to inquire about registering more than 16 projects.
Team Projects
Team Projects will be assigned to the Category most relevant to the project. Teams may have no more than 3 members from the beginning of the project. A team project cannot be converted to an individual project. A new member cannot join an ongoing team project, but 2 original team members may continue if the 3rd member leaves the team. Each team should appoint one team leader, but every member of the team must be fully involved and familiar with all aspects of the project and able to serve as spokesperson. The final work must reflect the work of the coordinated efforts of all team members. The team must jointly submit one research plan (outlining each person’s tasks), one abstract (all team member names must appear on these), 1A-Team and 1B forms along with other forms required by the rules.
Policies For The Day:
For an in person fair: Participants should not wear clothing or name tags with their name or their school’s name on it or display this information in their reports or exhibits because this information could influence judging.
Participants must stay in assigned areas during the entire judging time except during their assigned lunch break. They may bring quiet activities (electronics, books, cards etc.) to entertain themselves when judges are not interviewing them.
Lunch & Refreshments — All participants may bring their own lunches and any snacks they desire. Students will be released for a scheduled lunch. Refreshments can be consumed when needed, but please not when the judges are present. Concessions will be provided at the event as well.
Judging resumes after lunch. Know your schedule and be prompt.